Return to the List of Articles

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT: RUTH M. PHILLIPS C. S. N. A. LM 22-3 (559) 252-3825 rmphil@msn.com

The theme of my last President's Message was EDUCATE, EDUCATE, EDUCATE and this is exactly what we did in San Francisco on November 3 at the CSNA Second Annual Northern California Numismatic Educational Symposium. Once again, and with our everlasting gratitude, the Pacific Coast Numismatic Society (PCNS) hosted the Symposium and, if practice makes perfect, this was a study in perfection. Four nationally renowned speakers in their realm of expertise, kept those present glued to their seats, Be sure to read the Symposium review elsewhere in this edition of CALCOIN NEWS. The PCNS deserves a big THANK YOU from all CSNA members for this outstanding numismatic event. BRAVO, PCNS! I for one can hardly wait until next year's symposium!

The CSNA/NASC Golden State Convention and Coin Show in Arcadia in August was well attended and well run by Chairman Kay Lenker. But I still would like to see the Southern California shows moved around to other cities. However, the Board does not see it happening, so we will return to Arcadia again in August of 2002. I've had no bids from clubs in other cities to host our conventions. You're all sitting back and waiting for someone else to step forward! If no bids are received I'm afraid that other alternatives may have to be explored that will displease many CSNA members if carried out. It's not too late to send in those bids!

Someone in Arcadia asked me why I disliked NASC! I almost fell over in disbelief, so I want to make one thing very clear! I love NASC and every other club that actively promotes the numismatic hobby. Perhaps my dislike for the Golden State designation that has been attached to our conventions led members to misunderstand what I have been proposing. I have no problem with CSNA/NASC joint conventions, its just that both our associations get overlooked when the Golden State name is used exclusively.

I've had meetings with the Concord Convention Committee and am happy to report that everything is falling into place and progressing nicely. I hope you all make an effort to attend this convention because the committee has some nice surprises in store for you. Be sure to get your hotel reservations in early because the special convention rate has an early cut-off date.

I talked with a few collectors at the Symposium and was shocked to find out that the "CSNA COMMUNIQUE" I send out is not being distributed at the club meetings or with their newsletters. I listed the event in the NUMISMATIC NEWS Calendar of Events and some told me that it was the only way they found out about the event. Please, club editors, use the information I send out! If you are not receiving the "CSNA COMMUNIQUE", find out who gets it and use it in your communications with your club members. I will be writing to each club to find out who it should be sent to in order to have it utilized the way it was meant to be used. Our member clubs should expect a letter from me after the first of the new year when new club officers are elected, along with a questionnaire regarding the "CSNA COMMUNIQUE" itself. If reports are negative, I will stop sending it out, but remember, this is the only way we have of reaching non-members.

I hope you all had a Very Merry Christmas and will have a Happy Peaceful New Year!